Mime
/maɪm/noun
A theatrical performer who conveys meaning through gestures and body movements without speech.
Did you know?The word 'mime' traces back to ancient Greece, where these performers were often associated with the worship of Dionysus, the god of fertility and revelry, connecting them to ecstatic and sometimes chaotic rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μίμος
“An imitator or actor, often involved in performances that evoke emotion.”
1st Century
Latin
mimus
“A performer or actor, specifically one who mimics or acts without speaking.”
Middle English
Old French
mime
“An actor or performer, especially one who conveys actions without words.”
Modern English
English
mime
“A performer using gestures and movements for expression, emphasizing the silent aspect of their art.”